Although, having been single for decades, I feel compelled to add something of a disclaimer: by persistence we simply mean, when it comes to love, keep giving your best. You’re gonna fail every now and again (and those you love are going to fail you). You’re gonna take when you should give; be mean, when you should be kind; be stubborn, when you should be flexible; be selfish, when you should be gracious. Don’t let it have the final say. Try again. Be better. Love deeper.

On Instagram, I waxed poetic on how, the older I get, Valentine’s Day tends to look a lot more like Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, it seems so much so, that when I dropped my mom’s Valentines off at her work, I exclaimed, “Happy Thanksgiving!”

Let’s be honest, if you’re going to get muddled, that’s a mighty fine way to go about it.

Love just makes life better. It doesn’t matter the type; as C.S. Lewis once penned, “the highest does not stand without the lowest.” It may be romance one day, the kindness of a stranger the next, still it lightens our load.

Seems an awful lot for which to be thankful.

Needless to say, in the days ahead I hope your heart overflows with love (for family, friends, pets, and strangers); may it overflow with gratitude, too.

xo

P.S. I stumbled upon this illustration awhile back. It makes smile, for it reminds me of my own knight in shining armor (only 10,000 times cuter and not at all surprised his lady is using his chest plate as a mirror). God gave me a true help mate in that man. It’s one of the things for which I am so very thankful.

P.P.S. And here are the details of the image (if you’re curious): La Belle Dame sans Merci – Punch cartoon – Project Gutenberg eText 19105; From The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, December 1, 1920, by Various.

Greetings & salutations

Just in case you're wondering what you've gotten yourself into, my blog's a lot like life: it's a hodge-podge. So pour yourself a steaming cup of goodness, settle in, and I'll tell you all about it--whatever 'it' happens to be . . .

The fine print

Magpie & Muttonfly is the place where I write about all the things that make our stories grand. Emphasis on me, myself, and I. Any review or recommendation posted on this site is solely my own {unless otherwise noted}. Occasionally you will find a link to Amazon.com. An eternal window shopper, I only list items that strike my fancy. Any time you click the link and proceed to make a purchase, I get a wee referral fee. You will not be charged more--but once or twice a year I earn enough to purchase a tin of my favorite tea. So I do thank you for that!